UPDATED: WSPD Standoff At Traveler’s Inn Continues

TO READ DAY 2 COVERAGE OF THIS EVENT, CLICK HERE

By Staff
A standoff continues as of 3pm at the Traveler’s Inn on University Parkway. The WSPD has the area surrounded, including a rooftop sniper and armored personnel vehicle, and are in contact with the suspect.

Around 11am Monday morning, the WSPD was informed that a man wanted in Stokes Co. following a vehicle chase on Sunday was staying at the hotel. Police trying to serve the warrants on the subject found the man has barricaded himself inside of his room with another person who, authorities believe, is related to the perpetrator. According to sources, the perp’s companion could be 15 or 16 years old.  The WSPD has been in contact with the subject and is negotiating with him at this time, according to Lt. Rob Cozart.

Several businesses and a Mexican restaurant have been locked down pending the outcome of the standoff.  According to witnesses and people in the area the subject has phoned several businesses directly surrounding the hotel as well as some local media outlets. (Not CCD.  Our policy would be to refer him back to police officers).

 

 

UPDATES:

3:43pm

Police have received information that there are as many as three handguns in the room  with the subject and his “hostage.”  No word yet on whether this is a hostage situation or the young person is a willing participant.

4:05 pm

Suspect’s mother is en-route to scene.

 

4:48 pm

According to police, the suspect’s mother is negotiating with the suspect, evidently by phone at the scene.

 

5:15 pm

Police are continuing negotiations both by phone and PA system, and the suspect’s mother is attempting further negotiation by phone. The suspect approached the window at one time, but backed away after a brief discussion with negotiators.

 

6:50 pm 

Still no change on the scene.

Gunman has contacted the media and advised that he has “plenty of ammo.”

 

9:30 pm

No progress evident on the scene.

New Photos from earlier this evening are posted below

11:20pm

According to a press release from the WSPD the situation is ongoing and negotiators are still negotiating with the heavily armed suspect.

According to King Police Chief Paula May, the incident on Sunday began with a “brief” chase from King to Surry Co. May stated that suspect phone 911 and told King Police to back off if they did not want him to harm his “hostage”. Police were heard on the police scanner referring to this “hostage” as the suspects brother.

May said the suspect is wanted by her department on several outstanding warrants, assault on a female, fleeing to elude arrest, and communicating threats. According to the King Police there are also charges in Virginia of “multiple felony assault charges”.

See photos from overnight below.

 

Day 2 6:40am

 

Heading into the 20th hour and the situation remains unchanged and police have still not released the suspects name.

 

 UPDATE – Day 2 Coverage HERE

 

New Photos from late this evening:

 

Photos from earlier today by Chad Nance:

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from Overnight: